MOLINE, Ill. – Deere & Co. says its second-quarter net income rose almost 3 percent as it raised prices and the farm economy continued to be strong.

The company, which makes farm tractors as well as construction equipment, earned $1.08 billion, or $2.76 per share, for its most recent quarter. That was up from $1.06 billion, or $2.61 per share, during the same period last year.

That topped analysts' average estimates for earnings of $2.71 per share.